Employment Attorney Glendale, CA: When You May Need Representation
As a California worker, you have several rights and protections under federal and state laws. If your rights have been violated, it’s important to consult with an employment attorney. The team at HBK Lawyers has helped many clients obtain justice after FLSA violations, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Reach out online or at 818-696-2306 to learn more.
What Is the FLSA?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law establishing basic labor standards, enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor. Enacted in 1938, the law establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and laws regulating recordkeeping and child labor.
Under the FLSA, eligible employees, which includes those in both the private and public sectors, are entitled to no less than the federal minimum wage, as well as time and a half for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a given week.
Additionally, employers are required to properly classify employees, keep accurate records, and ensure their employees receive all the protections afforded them under the law. Employers that fail to pay for all hours worked or deny overtime are in direct violation of the FLSA.
What Employees Can Do
If you have reason to suspect that your employer has violated your rights under the FLSA, you have the option to take legal action.
What the Wage Claim Process Looks Like in California
In California, employees who believe they’ve been underpaid or denied proper wages can file a claim with the Labor Commissioner’s Office, also known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). The process typically involves submitting a wage claim form along with any supporting documentation, such as pay stubs, time records, or other evidence that supports the claim.
Once submitted, the DLSE will review the claim to determine whether it merits further action. If accepted, the employer is notified and given an opportunity to respond. In some cases, both parties may be invited to a settlement conference to resolve the matter informally. If an agreement can’t be reached, the claim may proceed to a formal hearing where each side can present evidence and testimony.
After reviewing the case, the hearing officer will issue a written decision. Either party has the right to appeal this decision in Superior Court. If the employer fails to comply with the order, enforcement actions can be taken to collect any unpaid wages.
Additional Employee Protections
In addition to the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees have other protections as well. These rights include protection from:
- Family and medical leave violations: The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for valid and specific reasons. This law also protects workers from losing their jobs or suffering disciplinary action due to requesting or taking leave.
- Workplace discrimination: Workers in Glendale, CA, have rights under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, in addition to federal civil rights that protect them from several forms of discrimination. Employees cannot be discriminated against based on their protected characteristics, such as race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability.
- Wrongful termination: While employers reserve the right to terminate a worker’s employment at their discretion, there are certain guidelines they cannot violate. Workers are protected from being fired due to their protected characteristics or as a form of retaliation for whistleblowing or practicing other rights protected by law.
- An unsafe job environment: Employers are required to assess potential risks and hazards in the workplace, provide proper training and equipment to maintain a safe environment, put safety measures in place, and adhere to established safety regulations.
- Hostility and harassment in the workplace: Workplace harassment, including sexual harassment or a hostile environment created by discrimination against protected characteristics, is prohibited by law. Employers have a legal obligation to prevent a hostile work environment from developing and address any concerns of harassment that may arise.
- Wage and hour violations: Employment law also covers wage and hour regulations, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, rest time and breaks, and working hours, in order to prevent worker exploitation.
- Retaliation for whistleblowing: Whistleblowers who officially report or otherwise bring attention to illegal or unethical conduct within their workplace are protected under employment laws.
If you think any of your rights as a worker may have been violated, it’s recommended that you seek qualified legal counsel to discuss your situation. Many employee rights don’t just protect hired workers but also extend to potential hires within the pre-employment screening phase.
Speak with a qualified FLSA employment attorney to fully understand your rights and legal options.
How an FLSA Employment Attorney in Glendale, CA, Can Help You: Contact HBK Lawyers
In the event your employee rights have been infringed upon, you are advised to bring your claim to an experienced employment attorney. If you have a feasible case, an employment lawyer can represent you and fight on your behalf. A favorable outcome can include correcting the rights violation and receiving compensation for damages.
Work With an Employment Attorney in Glendale, CA
At HBK Lawyers, we have achieved successful results for numerous clients. We can assist you in recovering damages such as:
- Back pay or front pay
- Punitive damages
- Attorneys’ fees and legal costs
- Emotional distress
Contact our team or call HBK Lawyers at 818-696-2306 today to schedule a free consultation with a competent employment attorney in the Glendale, CA, area.
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